Mama Connagher Day 4

Slowed by finishing a sex scene–and the KC Chiefs playoff game, sobs–I only managed 1363 words today. But I finished the major sex scene AND killed Ty. *sobs some more*

Yes, Ty was adamant that I had to write a brief scene leading up to his death. Now whether this ends up in the final version or not, I don’t know. But I had to look at it for the sake of Story.

Completing the flashback excerpt:

“Are you spoken for? Promised to anyone?”

She didn’t lift her head. Should she tell him about Jebadiah? But why? So she’d known him her whole life. So the whole town assumed they were a couple. The man had never kissed her. Never held her like this. Even the few times they’d been alone, nothing had happened. Which is probably why Daddy trusted the young man to escort me. She pushed the twinge of guilt away. “Why?”

“Just figuring out who I need to wrangle for the right to court you properly.”

“Nobody but Daddy and I’ll take care of him.”

“No, you won’t. That’s my job.”

She tipped her head back so she could see if he was just joking, but his face was solemn. “You’re serious? You’re going to talk to Daddy and tell him…what?”

“That I’m done with rodeos for good. That I’ll do any job he wants as long as he lets me stay on. That I love you with all my heart and soul and I’ll do anything to make you happy. I’ll work night and day until I can provide what you want.”

Her heart soared, even though it was crazy. He couldn’t possibly love her already. Could he? Could she love him? Sure, she’d kissed him. She’d done more with him than she’d ever done with any man in her entire life. But… “Daddy—”

“Nope,” he cut in. “I’d have to be an idiot not to know your Daddy’s loaded with this fine ranch sprawling out in all directions as far as I’d care to ride. I won’t take a dime of his money. You tell me what you want and I’ll get it, and I won’t marry you until I have it.”

“I want you.” It surprised her, but as soon as she said it, she knew it was the truth. No one else had the courage to step up and risk her fury—and her parents’—to find out what kind of man she wanted. And now she knew that the kind of man she wanted was standing right here.

“And? What else?” He insisted, though he tightened his arms around her. “What will make you happy? What’s your dream? Not your Daddy’s dream, not your pretty movie star mother’s. What’s yours?”

She didn’t have to think about it. “I want enough land to raise and train my own show horses. A barn and corral. Enough equipment to travel properly to the shows until I make a big enough name that people will come find me instead.”

“Where?”

“Nowhere but Texas.”

“You got it.” He pulled away and reached for his hat and shirt tossed in the corner, as if he were going to go out right now in the middle of the night and start looking for that land they’d make their own. But she dug her fingers into his waist hard enough he turned back and looked down into her face, eyes narrowed.

“Didn’t you forget something?”

A slow smile softened the hard lines of his face. “Yes’m, I imagine I did.”

One of those big, broad palms cupped the back of her head and he bent down to kiss her once more. She pressed up against him, rising up on her tiptoes to get as much of him as she could. Assured of her choice, he let his hands roam up and down her back. He molded the curve of her hips, the dip of her waist, and finally, at last, he cupped her breasts in both hands. His thumbs rubbed her nipples through her shirt and the ache she’d felt watching him earlier came back a thousand fold, spreading fiery heat all through her veins.

When he lifted his head, she moaned. The knowing twinkle in his eyes made her want to punch him.

“I’d be pleased and honored to return the favor if your folks are going to be gone awhile.”

As if Miss Belle had picked up on the disturbance and threat to her daughter’s virginity, the sound of a car pulling up the driveway made Virginia moan louder.

With a laugh, Tyrell released her and grabbed his shirt, tugging it quickly over his head so he could fasten his jeans. “That’s what I was afraid of. I might as well go speak to Colonel Healy now.”

For a moment, she actually felt a sliver of dread stab through her, worried that her proud, hard father might reject her suitor. “Now?”

“No time like the present. Don’t you worry none, Princess.” Tyrell jammed his hat on his head and took her hand firmly in his. “I know exactly what to say. I won’t let you down. I’ll never let you down.”

She didn’t want to admit to worry. Or fear. Or that she just might burst into tears if Daddy refused them. Or if she woke up the next morning and Tyrell’s rusted out truck was long gone. Instead of voicing her fears, all she said was, “Your mustache tickles.”

Without pausing a step, he threw open the barn door and dragged her toward the house where her parents waited on the front steps. “Want me to shave it off?”